Brutally Cold Ski

Up at 730am. As promised, the temperature dropped like a rock during the overnight. It was only 24 degrees at wake time, and it wasn’t expected to get much warmer throughout the day either. I made coffee then played on the internet. My plan was to take the kids to MRM and leave the house no later than 1045am.

After a good stretch, I headed out on a run around 830am. It was very slick after Saturday’s new snow turned to slush, but then froze in place. There were several stretches that were ridiculously slippery. I was very careful navigating my way through each of them. Happy to report, I completed the three mile run without complication.

Mindy was up shortly after my return. As she and I loosely discussed the night before, I scrambled some eggs but then added the leftover CBC spaetzle. It was yummy! Headed out to back the Pilot into the driveway then loaded our skis/board and poles. I’d be using Mindy’s old poles after inexplicably breaking the tip off one of my own the week prior. Still not sure how that happened. I had our boots and bags ready by the front door, too. I headed up for a shower near 10am.

I was showered and ready to go by 1020am. Mindy helped hurry the kids along. Bella woke in tears stating that she didn’t want to go because she would be the only girl. But she was hungry, too, so Mindy and I both surmised that she’d come around after food. Problem was, she would eat anything. But I had in mind a sure cure. I suggested a stop at Tim Horton’s before getting on the freeway. That made her happy. We left the house near 1045am. As planned, we stopped at Tim Horton’s where Bella and I went inside to fetch a dozen donuts. Let her pick. After a couple donuts, she was happy.

Made excellent time barreling up rt 33. We debated whether it would be crowded or not. I thought it would, especially given that this was supposed to be their official opening weekend, not to mention the cold temps. Turned out, not too big a crowd at all. We got a premo parking spot and were on the Four Start lift by 1145am. The Pilot’s thermometer read 24 degrees shortly before we arrived, but that in no way accounted for the brisk wind, especially at the top. Holy smoke was it cold! Wind had to be gusting near 20-30mph. Even Jacob said he was cold, which is extremely rare. He’s often found peeling away layers. It was cloudy too – flat lighting, which was difficult to navigate even with clear goggles. The surface was fast and somewhat icy. Once again, I skied on my AC30’s.

I thought Bob, Scott, and Zach were going to be there, but no friendlies anywhere to be found. We sent Bob I a text at first break. Guess he changed his mind due to the cold, windy conditions. At break I learned that it was only 16 degrees with 30mph winds, which made it feel like -4 with windchill . No wonder the kids were cold. The tips of two of my fingers got cold a couple times and then my nose, but otherwise I was fine.

The kids and I took a second break after another hour. That was brief and only in the lower level by the fireplace. Both kids sat on the raised hearth to warm their hands. On our third round, we decided that we’d only stay until 3-315pm. Ran into work peep, Bill, who is also an MRM ski instructor. We skied a couple runs together. Among other things discussed, he shared the difficulties he and his wife are having communicating with their 13 year old daughter.

The kids and I skied our last runs at 315pm. Felt good about the runs/turns we made. Felt great to get out of the gear and into the warm Pilot. Just before we pulled out of the lot, Mindy sent a text asking what time we’d be coming home. “Just leaving”.

It was an easy drive home. Arrived home around 410pm. By then all of Mindy’s Ava party guests had departed, but the party spread was still out. For the next half hour or so, I snacked on pita chips and hummus. I was hungry. At home it was cold, but nowhere near as cold as it was at MRM. Mindy suggested we order pizzas and subs for dinner. I wasn’t that hungry after snacking but agreed.

I shared with Mindy the fact that Landon called while we were at MRM asking if he could come over for dinner. I suggested perhaps we have them over for dinner one night this coming work week. Mindy suggested we have them over that night for pizza and subs. I called Lindsey and extended the invite. She agreed to bring the boys over around 550pm.

I was very surprised to learn that the Vikings won their game against the Eagles. In fact, it wasn’t even close. Pretty sure it was 48-30. Heck, I was once again pulling for a loss. Hey, maybe that’s the key. 
It didn’t take long for the kids to start the fussin’ and fightin’, namely Jacob and Rocky. Quite common, really. Jacob loves to pick on Rocky. However, that said, I’m by no means implying that Jacob does it without provocation.

Mindy ordered three or four subs and a large pepperoni pizza, which was more than enough. Her thoughts were that we would eat the leftovers during the week. Jacob especially loves their Michael Angelo subs. In fact, we all like it. I had a couple slices of pizza and 1/3 of a sub. Delicious! Jacob and Rocky continued to aggravate each other on and off for the duration of their visit. It wasn’t until I created a diversion did it stop. I declared it ‘hobby time’ and fetched some paper and markers suggesting that the boys make Xmas cards for their mom and grandma. Rocky definitely has an artistic flair, and probably more surprising, it calms him like nothing other. Mindy and I both were quite impressed with his holiday creations.

Lindsey sent a text asking what time to come after the boys. I asked that she come around 8pm. She was prompt – there at 8pm sharp. Was a little surprised that Rocky gave me a hug goodbye. Hmm? Once the boys left, the house was more relaxed and calm. We had a fire going all afternoon and into the evening. I opted to spend the rest of my evening studying the ICND material from the comfort of the family room chair. Mindy was talking to me at the same time and asked if I was listening. I kindly shared that I was studying and really needed to focus. I stayed up until 10am studying. By then she and Bella had headed off to bed. However, she was still awake when I joined her a few minutes later.